Two Patriots Standout at Eastern Michigan Open

The University of the Cumberlands Men’s Wrestling team competed in Ypsilanti, MI for the Eastern Michigan Open Wrestling Tournament on Saturday at the Bowen Field House.

The Eastern Michigan Open is one of the toughest preseason tournaments in the nation. The open was attended by numerous Big 10 Conference Teams and sixth ranked Lindenwood (Mo.) University, winners of the last three NAIA National Championships.

The event had a double tournament with different categories in which the Patriots were able to compete. A freshman and sophomore division, where any first or second year collegiate athletes were able to compete and the open tournament that anybody that was a collegiate wrestler could compete in.

“The tournament was a real meat grinder,” said Patriot Head Coach Andy Medders at the end of the day.

Two Patriot wrestlers stood above the rest with Andre Berry (Uniondale, NY) at the 149 weight pound class and teammate Dyvon Passmore (Miami, FL) in the 165 pounds division. Berry suffered a first round loss but was able to battle back through the tournament and redeem himself by beating the man that gave him his only lost and claim his 3rd place finish after having a total of 8 matches in the day. Dyvon Passmore finished 4th in the tournament, but had a long and grueling road to get there with a total of 7 matches.

“This was a good tournament to see where we match up with Division I teams, along with showing us what parts we need to work on,” stated Medders. “I’m looking forward to this week’s practice and getting my guys ready for another battle next weekend.”

The Patriots will be traveling to Bristol, TN for the King College Open on November 15, where the action begins at 8am.